Navajo weavers Third Annual Report of the Bureau of Ethnology to the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, 1881-'82, Government Printing Office, Washington, 1884, pages 371-392.

This vivid ethnographic account delves into the weaving traditions of the Navajo people of the American Southwest. It traces the art from its aboriginal origins, noting how European and Pueblo influences can be identified, yet the Navajo have taken the craft to a level of elegance unmatched north of Mexico. Accompanied by detailed plates that show spinning spindles, loom setups, and finished blankets, the narrative paints a clear picture of a living, evolving technique.

The report explains how the Navajo rely on the wool of their Spanish‑introduced sheep, spinning it on simple wooden spindles while preserving native dyes of yellow, red, black and a unique green made from indigo. It describes the construction of looms, the formation of warp and weft, and the distinctive diamond‑shaped patterns that give their blankets their famed texture. Listeners gain a rare glimpse into a culture where practical skill and artistic pride intertwine, offering insight into a tradition that continues to inspire textile lovers.